How to resume breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is the best gift a mother can give her baby, as this action strengthens the affection between mother and child—that is, the closest bond you can have with your child after birth.

 Besides the important bond that can develop between a mother and her baby, breast milk provides lasting health benefits to the infant, and your health can also greatly benefit.

 However, even though your greatest desire is to breastfeed your child, there are times when it is necessary to interrupt breastfeeding. Maybe you got sick, have to travel, or for some reason find it difficult to nurse.

 When breastfeeding has to be stopped, you might wonder: “Is it possible to continue breastfeeding even after stopping?” In this article, we will give you some suggestions to help you resuming breastfeeding, whether a short or long time has passed.

Possible reasons that interrupt breastfeeding

It is true that breastfeeding can last as long as the mother wishes. However, there are circumstances that may prevent you from breastfeeding your baby for a certain period. Knowing what these might be will help you cope with the situation.

• When you start working: Your prenatal and postnatal leave has ended, but your baby still needs breast milk. This may cause you to interrupt breastfeeding for several hours, which in turn will reduce milk production.
• Illnesses requiring hospitalization: It may be due to surgical procedures where the mother requires anesthesia. Therefore, breastfeeding will need to be suspended for a period.
• When the mother undergoes radiology: In these cases, it is recommended to suspend breastfeeding during the radiological exam, so milk must be expressed and discarded.
• Pills to stop breast milk: It is a drug that lowers prolactin in the blood and therefore milk production. But once the mother’s milk supply is established, it has little effect.
• Medication contraindications: There are medications that can harm your baby's health, so it will be necessary to stop breastfeeding while the treatment lasts.
• Severe stress situations: In difficult moments when you experience a big scare or distress, your body produces adrenaline and cortisol, which affect milk production.
• Causes of decreased breast milk: Something that can reduce your milk supply is low fluid intake and lack of proper nutrition.
• Travel: You might face a sudden trip where you cannot take your baby with you and find yourself needing to temporarily stop breastfeeding.

How to resume breastfeeding? 

If you have faced difficulties and had to stop breastfeeding, you might wonder: “How do I stop breastfeeding? My baby still needs it.” Is there a solution for this?

You may get discouraged and say, “My milk isn’t coming back.” But don’t worry, you still have the chance to resume breastfeeding. The following recommendations have been very effective for many mothers and will surely help you too.

Consider the time factor

Recovering breastfeeding can depend on how long the interruption lasted. If it was a short time, it will be easier; if longer, it will take a bit more time. But you will succeed.

Baby’s age

The younger your baby is, the easier it will be to recover breastfeeding.

Activate production

You should continue stimulating your breasts through massages. So, if you have to work outside the home, you can opt for a breast pump to maintain milk production.

Stimulate with your baby

Your baby is your best ally and partner in recovering milk production; the more they suckle, the greater the milk production.

Get rid of pacifiers

These rubber nipples can prevent the baby from being interested in the breast.

Emotional stability

Try to be relaxed when you want to resume breastfeeding, as moments of tension are transmitted to your baby and will not stimulate milk production again.

Stay well hydrated

Remember that the more hydrated you are, the easier it will be to produce breast milk. Therefore, try to drink enough water, at least two liters daily.

Positive attitude

Maintain the right motivation, don’t despair, and trust that you will succeed in recovering breastfeeding.

Good company

Surround yourself with people who encourage you and respect your decision to continue breastfeeding your baby.

Seek advice

You might know someone who has achieved this goal; if so, ask them for help or advice. Or ask your baby’s pediatrician or a

Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption

Excessive alcohol and tobacco can prevent milk production. Additionally, they have harmful effects on both you and your baby’s health.

Be cautious with medications

Some medicines affect milk supply. However, your doctor will give you the necessary recommendations.

 Don’t be too hard on yourself

Recovering breastfeeding can be a bit difficult, so if you don’t fully reach your goal, don’t despair—you will still be a good mother, and your baby will sense that.

Remember, breastfeeding is the best nourishment your baby will receive. But if your milk production is not yet enough to properly feed your baby, then you must make sure to feed them correctly.